Considering some of the harsh conditions in shady areas, gardeners always seem to avoid them for what seems to be the lack of possibilities these places seem to offer, however there are numerous plants that thrive tremendously in such conditions.
Prime candidates for a location like this would be rhododendrons and azaleas of numerous species, colors and times of bloom, Solomon’s seal, hosta, low bush blueberry and also various ivy, they are perfect specimens to include in the scheme overview of things. These plants seek the comforts of adequate moisture and the cooler temperatures offered by shady areas during the main growing season.
When spring arrives, when the trees are still leafless and the sunlight is not yet at its highest, the shade-loving plant material enjoys the availability of spring sunlight to begin preparing for the growth. Later, when the trees sprout and begin to cast shade over the area, shade-loving plants appreciate protection from the warmer temperatures that come when the sun is at its highest and produces stronger heat that tends to burn the tender growth of shade-loving plants.
I would like to spend some time and address some of the advantages of shade gardening, simply put, it is a gardener’s dream spot when planted correctly and carefully selected plant material is chosen to fill the area. Simply put, it can be a gardener’s discovery of a whole new world of gardening made available by the hand of nature.
Shade gardens offer some of the most natural environments and thrive willingly with little effort. The right resources are available and with a little imagination, the possibilities are endless.
Moisture is usually much more abundant in these areas and evaporates much more slowly than in sunny places. The only exception is when the summer months are exceptionally dry and harsh, which can dehydrate the tender new growth that many shade plants tend to have.
A special adherence to this condition would be attention to regular watering to avoid growth or wilting problems. Prime examples would be Hosta, Solomon’s Seal, lowbush blueberry, columbine, Japanese iris, and water iris. They all thrive in the rich, moist organic soils of woodlands and shady areas, so watering is essential during the hottest summer months.
These plants seem to hold their own quite well when cared for properly, however some known diseases associated with high moisture content can cause some problems so overwatering should be avoided at all costs.
Various Iris root rots and Powdery Mildew enjoy the moisture levels these shady areas offer, and for some reason the plant material that grows so well here can also succumb to a wide influx of such diseases if present. It is important, and by all means, to keep a good supply of chemical or organic fungicides available to protect your plants from deterioration.
I have researched a few, but by no means least, list of plant material to consider for enjoying shade gardening.
Listed below are some plant specimens that do well in moist, organic areas of shady areas, especially most ferns.
Listed here are plants that prefer a high moisture content in the soil, just to name a few, with a bit of research on your part and an Internet search, as well as gardening books that focus specifically on shade gardens and the environment. conditions they enjoy.
Moisture Loving:
Althaea officinalis or marshmallow
Aruncus dioicus or goat’s beard
Astilbe spp. or Astilbe
Filipendula ulmara go Queen of the meadow
Japanese Iris and Water Iris
Lobelia siphilitica or Lobelia or Cardinal Flower
Trollius spp. balloon flower
Plants that have a preference for less humidity are listed here. Examples to consider would be for plantings on higher ground, or on slopes or walls that tend to be well drained.
Archilla spp. golden yarrow
Artemisia spp.
Catanache caerulea or Cupid’s dart
Papaver orientalis or common poppy
Santolina chamaecyparissus or Lavender Cotton
What I have researched and listed are just a few examples of shade-loving plants for shady locations. Also, various shrubs and trees enjoy locations like these and do quite well in the same conditions that I have listed earlier in this article.
Rhododendron Yaku Princess
lemon azalea drops
Blue Berry ground cover
epimedium
varieties of cletra
tall blueberry
japanese andromeda
enkianthis
dog wood,
Tarpon blow or Service Berry
viburnums
Holly’s of many varieties
All rhododendrons and azaleas
(Deciduous azaleas prefer a sunnier location)
leucothoe
I hope this short synopsis provides some ideas and solutions for your shadow areas.
You no longer need to avoid shady locations. Shady areas provide a perfect environment for numerous native species, as well as many common cultivars found in many of your local garden centers.
Find reliable sources of information and do some research at the library or local bookstores.
For more information please visit my website at http://www.hortservices.net and fill out the questionnaire on the home page and I will be happy to explain other species and conditions you may have in question. There are many things you can do in the shade garden and some of the most beautiful gardens occur in shady areas in many parts of the world.
http://www.hortservices.net or email me at [email protected]
Your humble horticulturist…Chet Stentiford